The beginning

I rescued George, a ~ 1 year old male Rottweiler in July of 2011.  He was a big boy, kind of quiet and reserved, skinny with some ribs showing.  He took to me right away and become my protector and also thought he could take ownership of me.  We introduced him to our crazy, wild 5 year old girl, Nala.  Nala decided George could not play with any toys and proceeded to bully George.

Eventually, Nala decided George could play with toys if she said so.  Eventually, he go pretty smart and grabbed toys when she got distracted and walked away - not very often.

Speed forward two years, George has been here 2 years and he is 3 years old.  Happy and well fed, he's gone from 75 to 87 pounds.  Not chubby in the least.  He runs around with Nala in the yard, yells at anyone outside of our fence and let's them know not to come around here!

Nala and George play, wrestle with toys and sticks but George has frequently licked at his right front leg.  No signs of pain or swelling and it just seemed like something he did.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving George goes to vet for vaccines and I mention that while him and I were playing in the livingroom he bumped his right front leg on the couch and yelped in pain and limped for a little bit but then seemed fine.  The vet examines, probes, squeezes and says he seems fine, no swelling, no warmth, no signs of pain.  If it happens again or seems to bother him come back and we can x-ray.

Sat, 28Dec13, George and Nala are playing Rottweiler games, jumping on each other, wrestling over a rope.  George stops and licks the same right front leg and then proceeds to limp for the rest of the day.  I notice swelling and warmness and know this is not good.  The vet is closed and I make plans to call on Monday to schedule an x-ray.  I know the possibilities - Rottweiler, big breed, bone cancer.

Mon, 30Dec13.  Vet appointment, x-ray, possible tumor - film will be sent to radiologist in New Haven for diagnosis.  Home with anti-inflammatories and pain meds to await the diagnosis - but in my heart of hearts I already know.

Later that afternoon the diagnosis is revealed and my worst suspicions are confirmed.  Canine osteosarcoma of distal radius.